Navigating the UNGA Maze: A Reflection of Commitment and Connection

Last week, amid the bustling streets of New York City, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) gathered for its annual summit, drawing together a mosaic of world leaders, diplomats, and advocates. As the dust settles on this momentous event, I find myself reflecting on the themes that emerged - from the formal declarations of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the quiet moments spent with friends discussing trends, family stories, and the latest literary indulgences. After several years of attending, I've come to understand how to navigate this global village called UNGA: remain purposeful, create room for the conversations on the sidelines, and invest in a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Here are some musings I've jotted down since returning home.

Echoes of Commitment and the Challenge of Execution:

At the core of the UNGA summit reverberated unwavering commitments to the SDGs. Leaders from diverse corners of the world convened to discuss and pledge their dedication to these ambitious goals, designed to address the world's most pressing challenges. The overarching themes of urgency and collaboration were palpable throughout the summit.

Urgency infused every conversation, serving as a stark reminder of the immediate attention demanded by issues like climate change, global health crises, and inequality. The urgency with which world leaders addressed these matters sent a clear message: delay is a luxury we can no longer afford. While we celebrate these commitments, it's equally essential to hold leaders accountable for translating words into tangible actions, especially given the constraints of time.

Personal Connections Beyond Formal Proceedings:

?While the formal UNGA sessions held undeniable significance, it was the connections forged beyond these official meetings that enriched my experience.

Three facets stood out:

• Impactful Side Events and Meaningful Connections: Often overlooked, side events and gatherings provided profound insights. They delved deep into specific issues, showcasing innovative projects and fostering focused discussions. One particularly memorable encounter was with the African Visionary Fund team, distinguished players in the grantmaking landscape. I eagerly anticipate further discussions with them. Meeting Shamira Lukomwa, AVF's Partnerships Lead, was a true delight, as her visionary approach to partnerships left a lasting impression.
• Reconnecting with Colleagues: The UNGA summit acted as a reunion for many of us entrenched in philanthropy. Reconnecting with colleagues, some of whom I hadn't seen in years, reignited collaborative sparks and ignited discussions about potential partnerships. Events like the Refuge Point luncheon and the Aurora Prize gathering left me inspired. Connecting with philanthropic champions like Vilas Dhar and Julia Dhar was a highlight. Spending time with my former colleagues at Co-Impact, where I had the privilege of working, felt like a reunion of champions. Running into Rose Maruru of EPIC Africa is always a reminder that among us are people who are building the Civil Society Infrastructure of the future for the Continent.
• Meeting New Faces and Exploring Fresh Ideas: Amidst the vast sea of attendees, I had the privilege of encountering individuals who shared novel perspectives, stories, and innovative ideas. The diversity of voices and experiences at the summit was a potent reminder that solutions to global challenges often emerge from the unlikeliest sources. Meeting Muhsin Hassan and Cecilia Conrad from Lever for Change left me inspired, as did sharing a memorable taxi ride with Andra Ehrenkranz and Natalie Rekstad, leading to what may very well be the most memorable New York City cab conversation ever. We even playfully dubbed Natalie the "Cate Blanchett of Philanthropy."

Before the official commencement of the UNGA summit, I had the privilege of leading a workshop on future systems building with 40 social innovators and policy reform practitioners. It was an exceptional experience that raised questions reminiscent of those posed by Professor Cass Sunstein in his book 'Sludge.' The imperative of conducting "sludge audits," an evidence-based approach to evaluating the benefits, costs, and distributional effects of institutional processes, became evident. Also, while running the workshop using an IDEO empathy mapping tool, I noticed it is harder for global development experts to ideate and dream (build new systems) than remain locked into current systems and bottlenecks. Dreaming is harder and we need to practice and strengthen this muscle with the same urgency we use when calling for reform.

Attending UNGA is a privilege, and as we carry these reflections and connections forward into our philanthropic endeavors, it is incumbent upon us to translate commitment into action. Our role in this process is more crucial than ever, and the diverse perspectives and collaborations we encounter are our most potent assets on the journey toward global progress.